Pro wrestling legend Hulk Hogan dies at age 71 - ESPN

Published: Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 4:29 pm

Hulk Hogan, Wrestling Icon, Dies at 71

Professional wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71. Authorities responded to a call regarding a cardiac arrest. Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Hogan was a pivotal figure in taking professional wrestling to the national mainstream. He headlined the first WrestleMania in 1985, an event credited with propelling the then-WWF (now WWE) into the national consciousness. His match with Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III further elevated his career and the wrestling business. Hogan was the face of the wrestling world, appearing in television shows and movies. He won the WWF World Heavyweight championship six times.

In 1996, Hogan made a significant heel turn, joining World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and forming the New World Order (NWO). This move revitalized the wrestling industry. Hogan returned to WWE in 2002 and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.

In recent years, Hogan faced health issues and controversy. In 2015, video recordings of him using a racial slur were leaked, leading to the termination of his WWE contract. He later returned as an ambassador. Hogan was also involved in a legal battle over a leaked sex tape, which he won.

BNN's Perspective:

Hulk Hogan's impact on professional wrestling is undeniable. While his career was marked by both immense success and controversy, his contributions to the sport and his ability to connect with audiences are undeniable. His legacy will be debated, but his influence on pop culture remains.

Keywords: Hulk Hogan, wrestling, WWE, WrestleMania, Andre the Giant, NWO, WCW, cardiac arrest, Terry Bollea, Hall of Fame, death, Ric Flair, Triple H, Donald Trump, controversy

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